Human Evolution and Behaviour MSc

Students develop the ability to generate, assess and synthesise empirical evidence and hypotheses related to human evolution and behaviour. They gain subject-specific skills, such as measuring skeletal material, interpreting and generating data related to human ecology, reproduction and genetics, and generating behavioural data of humans and non-human primates through observation.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of three core modules (45 credits), three optional modules (45 credits), and a research dissertation (90 credits).

Students choose two of the first three modules in the list below. Postgraduate Methods/Statistics I is compulsory for all students.

• Human Behavioural Ecology
• Primate Socioecology
• Palaeoanthropology
• Postgraduate Methods/Statistics 1 (term one)*

Students choose three of the following optional modules:

• Advanced Human Evolution
• Archaeology of Hunter-Gatherers from the Emergence of Modern Humans
• Archaeology of Human Evolution in Africa
• Primate Socioecology
• Evolution of Human Brain, Cognition and Language
• Evolution of Human Cumulative Culture
• Evolution of the Human Brain and Behaviour
• Primate Evolution
• Variation and Evolution of the Human Skull
• Advanced Statistics
• Practical Ethnographic and Documentary Filmmaking

All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a 15,000-word dissertation.

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures including weekly two-hour departmental seminars, and occasional attendance at non-departmental seminars. Assessment is through take-home examination, essays, lab-books, practical tests, and presentation. The dissertation is assessed by a project presentation and the thesis.